Four Rivers TMS Asset Management Software Integrates to Versus RTLS

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hospitals wishing to track the real-time locations of mobile medical equipment while using Four Rivers^® Total Maintenance System (TMS^®) will experience improved workflows, thanks to a recent integration with the Versus Technology, Inc. (OTCPINK: VSTI) Real-time Locating System (RTLS).

The integration, already in use at Children's of Alabama in Birmingham, features a single-source procurement process, where a Versus asset tag ID is entered once into the TMS software. Through a bi-directional interface, the asset is automatically registered within the Versus system so its location can be immediately tracked.  Versus then provides real-time location updates to TMS, permitting enterprise-wide location visibility.

An average hospital can lose $4,000 per day in lost wages due to time spent searching for mobile assets such as IV pumps. Additionally, many hospitals purchase 20% more equipment than necessary just to ensure availability in case inventory can't be found. By monitoring the real-time locations of these mobile assets and tracking how often they're used in patient care, hospitals can dramatically decrease operational costs and capital investments while increasing staff and patient satisfaction.

Biomedical and other staff can quickly locate assets through the RTLS location field in TMS, where they also track maintenance and other asset details. Clinical staff in patient care units can view equipment locations on Versus Glance-and-Go™ boards, displayed as either a floorplan of the unit, or as a list view of available equipment. Inventory control staff may also use Versus' full-featured par-level asset management software to automate replenishment functions.

Children's of Alabama uses Four Rivers TMS integrated with Versus to track approximately 3,000 mobile assets, including IV pumps, beds and stretchers. Biomedical staff keep track of preventative maintenance, warranties and recall notifications in TMS, where they now know an asset's real-time location thanks to the RTLS integration.

"By combining Versus' real-time location data with our TMS, we are enabling our customers to work smarter," says Larry Shields, Product Coordinator with Four Rivers. "Our joint customers will now be able to use the best features of both systems, making operations more efficient."

After the RTLS asset tag ID is added to TMS, the hospitals also have immediate access to equipment and location information in Versus software. For example, hospitals can use Versus' par-level feature to ensure optimal inventory of IV and other pumps in patient care areas. Clinicians can also access lists of available equipment and their locations via Versus Glance-and-Go boards on overhead screens or workstation web browsers.

"The integration with Four Rivers TMS expands the benefits of RTLS for biomedical engineering without placing additional process burdens on the department," explains Kevin Jackson, Chief Technology Officer for Versus. "Versus seamlessly integrates real-time asset tracking with the TMS features, making it easy for inventory control staff to better serve the facility, physicians, and nurses. This interoperability, a cornerstone of Versus solutions, ultimately improves the efficiency of patient care."

To learn more about Asset Management and other uses for RTLS in the clinical environment, visit Versus' website at versustech.com or register for our RTLS sessions at the HIMSS13 Annual Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans, La., March 3-7, 2013 by visiting versustech.com/himss13.

About Four Rivers Software Systems
Four Rivers Software Systems, Inc. is focused on delivering comprehensive maintenance management software (EAM/CMMS) and computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) solutions to the healthcare industry. Serving more 1,800 healthcare organizations, Four Rivers provides powerful tools to increase productivity and profitability. The Four Rivers product family includes TMS OnSite & TMS OnLine, TMS CAFM, a full suite of Mobile Solutions and a number of optional solutions to help healthcare organizations.

About Versus Technology, Inc.
Established in 1988, Versus Technology, Inc. specializes in real-time location systems (RTLS) for healthcare. Used by more than 700 hospitals for enterprise patient tracking, bed management, asset tracking, and nurse call automation, Versus Advantages™ improves patient flow and documentation of caregiver and patient interactions, while enhancing communication and efficiency. Exclusively endorsed by the American Hospital Association, the Versus Advantages infrared (IR) and Active RFID solution is responsible for clinical-grade location and automation at a number of hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities worldwide. To learn more about Versus Technology, Inc., our technology and client successes, visit versustech.com and take the Advantages Tour.

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SOURCE Versus Technology, Inc.